Hindu wife: Authorities wanted me to convert, too

A Hindu wife who is in the spotlight over her husband’s controversial action of converting their two underage children to Islam, related that the religious authorities also tried to convert her.

The lady, S Deepa from Seremban, related the incident during an inter-faith discussion with Senator P Waythamoorthy at the Prime Minister’s Office recently, where she said her husband had taken away their children from school on April 4, 2013.

Deepa said she found out that they were taken to Pusat Dakwah Islamiah, Negri Sembilan and discovered that they were instantly converted to become Muslims.

She pleaded her case with an ustaz there, saying she had not given her consent for the children to be converted.

“The ustaz told me to come again tomorrow and they will provide a revocation certificate. When I went there the next day, instead of being provided the revocation letter, efforts were made to persuade me to convert and they promised to assist me in monetary terms.

“Failing to do so, they mildly implied that there is a possibility that I will lose custody of her children. I reiterated that I wish to remain a Hindu, and the children shall continue to be one until they are old enough to decide. My husband also attempted to transfer them to pondok schools,” claimed Deepa.

The inter-faith discussion was held behind closed doors, and was attended by Deepa and other leaders of NGO religious organisations who represent 45 percent of the Malaysian community.

This followed an increase in conversion issues involving non-Muslims to Islam, especially involving underage children.

Waytha to arrange meeting with PM

Waythamoorthy, in a statement, echoed the concerns of the religious leaders who met him.

One religious leader, Jagir Singh, had proposed that Article 12(4) of the federal constitution be amended where “parent” should become “parents” to clear the ambiguity.

Bar Council chairperson Christopher Leong had previously expressed concern and said that the unilateral conversion of minor children to any religion by a parent, without the knowledge or consent of the non-converting parent, was unconstitutional.

He was responding to the Negri Sembilan Islamic Department which had stated that only one parent is needed to convert their minor children.

Waythamoorthy said lawmakers need to insert their political will to come together in unity to address these issues rationally and compassionately.

“We meed to avoid further deterioration in race and religion relationship issues amongst each other,” he said.

“I will seek to fix an appointment for the NGO religious leaders with the prime minister in the near future over the issue.”